Maine Governor Mills announced $21.2 million in resilience grants for 68 working waterfronts damaged by winter storms. The Working Waterfront Resilience Grant Program funding stems from $60 million in recovery funds from the Maine Legislature following the December and January storms. The funding was approved on April 18, allocating direct funds to working waterfront communities, underlining their importance in the state.
“Working waterfronts are a cornerstone of our coastal communities and our economy, and last winter’s devastating storm demonstrated just how vulnerable they are to extreme weather and climate change,” said Governor Mills. “These grants will help rebuild working waterfronts, so they are able to better withstand future storms, protecting access to the water now and for generations to come.”
The recovery funds are the single largest investment in storm recovery by any administration in Maine's history. The 68 working waterfront projects set to receive grant funds represent a range of needs. According to the release from Gov. Mills' office, the needs include reconstructing and improving damaged wharves and piers, rebuilding and restoring key support buildings such as bait sheds, and repairing and upgrading fuel and electrical systems. A list of the preliminarily approved applicants and funding can be found here.
The resilience grant program has $25 million available for working waterfront recovery. The grants announced are considered preliminary and pending a final review of project eligibility. Once the grants receive final approval, the funding is expected to be distributed after Aug. 9, when the supplemental budget legislation takes effect.
“This funding represents an important investment by the state in Maine’s critical yet vulnerable working waterfront,” said Patrick Keliher, Maine Department of Marine Resources commissioner. “With commercial access already so limited, it is imperative that we protect these properties from climate-driven events and safeguard an industry that is so important to our state’s economic future. I would be remiss if I didn’t publicly thank our state partners. This is a great example of agencies working together on a common cause to expedite this program and bring much-needed relief to an impacted industry.”
The Working Waterfront Resilience Grant Program is a joint initiative of the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. In addition to state funds, the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association dedicated resources to property owners who serve commercial fishing businesses, offering 25-30 $5,000 grants. The Island Institute has also offered resources and helpful information on the grant application process and when these grants have opened for applications.
